Space Vehicle Propulsion Using Solid and Electric Thrusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current space vehicle propulsion systems, relying on liquid-propellant chemical thrusters for high acceleration and electric thrusters for long-duration maneuvers, are costly, complex, and face environmental restrictions, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
Innovation Solution
A space vehicle equipped with solid-propellant chemical thrusters for high-thrust maneuvers and electric thrusters for long-duration operations, utilizing a shared power and control system to simplify and modularize the propulsion system, reducing complexity and weight while avoiding the drawbacks of liquid propellants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If liquid-propellant chemical thrusters are used for high acceleration maneuvers, then high thrust levels are achieved, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and environmentally problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into two distinct types: solid-propellant chemical thrusters for high-thrust maneuvers and electric thrusters for low-thrust long-duration maneuvers. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall complexity compared to using liquid-propellant systems for all maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
Solid-propellant thrusters are used as disposable, simple devices that provide high thrust when needed without requiring the complex infrastructure of liquid-propellant systems (pressurized tanks, delivery pipes, pre-heating systems, propellant mixing devices). After use, they are discarded, eliminating the need for complex recovery and reuse systems
2Force
If liquid-propellant chemical thrusters are used, then high acceleration is achieved, but the system weight increases and payload capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into solid-propellant thrusters for high acceleration events and electric thrusters for sustained maneuvers. Solid thrusters provide the necessary acceleration without requiring heavy pressurized tanks and complex delivery systems, while electric thrusters handle the bulk of maneuvering requirements with minimal weight
Solution Approach 2:
Solid-propellant thrusters are simple, disposable devices that provide high acceleration when needed without the weight penalty of reusable liquid-propellant systems. They eliminate the need for heavy pressurized tanks, complex piping, and propellant storage systems
3Force
If conventional liquid-propellant thrusters are used, then high thrust is achieved, but environmental restrictions apply due to toxic propellants
Solution Approach 1:
Solid-propellant thrusters use simple, non-toxic propellants that are environmentally friendly compared to conventional liquid propellants like hydrazine. The solid propellants are less toxic and do not require the complex safety systems needed for handling toxic liquid propellants
4Loss of energy
If electric thrusters are used for long-duration maneuvers, then high specific impulse is achieved, but thrust levels become too low for constrained maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented by assigning electric thrusters to long-duration, low-constraint maneuvers where high specific impulse is the priority, while solid-propellant thrusters handle short-duration maneuvers requiring high thrust. This segmentation allows each system to operate in its optimal performance range
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The combination of solid and electric thrusters provides efficient and cost-effective propulsion, enabling a range of maneuvers with reduced environmental impact and increased payload capacity, while simplifying the propulsion system and reducing toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
solid-propellant chemical thrusters... provide a range of thrust comparable to that of liquid-propellant chemical thrusters
Implementation Method 2
electric thrusters produce thrust by accelerating and injecting charged particles, in particular ions
Data Source
AI summary
A space vehicle (1), in particular a satellite or a probe, capable of executing high-thrust maneuvers or high specific impulse maneuvers. According to the invention, the space vehicle (1) includes at least one solid-propellant chemical thruster (10-14) and at least one electric thruster (20-24).